Level 2.11 - Beginner´s Mind

Level Your Life [The Level of the Beginner´s Mind][2.11]

Beginner´s Mind



Shunryu Suzuki in his classic work Zen Mind, Beginner´s Mind, writes "In the beginner´s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert´s mind ,there are few"

There is a tremendous advantage to be gained by clearing your mind through meditation and then focusing your attention on the possibilities awaiting you. Don´t let preconceived biases prevent you from being attuned to your human potential.

In 1954, Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier in the mile run, which the experts considered impossible at the time. Yet within the next year and a half, over fifty athletes around the world ran it in under four minutes. They could now see the possibility and were open to doing  what was required to reach that once "impossible" level of performance.

The warrior´s mind is a beginner´s mind, one that is open, receptive, and nonjudgmental ; with this mind, all is possible.

We want to encourage you to follow Bannister and challenge your beliefs, seeing them as limits and going beyond them.  For example, you might  say, "It could never happen", or "I´m not strong enough, fast enough,good enough" Start to notice how these words limit you, and then with a beginner´s mind, turn such statements around. Say "I can do it - I am strong," as you try to run up that hill or lift that weight.

When you´re feeling stuck in failure, loss, or setback, take the adventurer´s approach, in which you give yourself permission to start again fresh.

After a poor shot, for instance, approach the next shot and say to yourself  "Here is a new beginning, a chance to start again - every shot is an opportunity to demonstrate my greatness."

Always come out in the second half and play if the score is zero-zero, even if the other team is up.

Use this beginner´s mind-set to increase your chances to experience the extraordinary.




Declaration: The more I develop the beginner´s mind and remain open to possibilities by questioning limits, the more I perform freely to play up to my capacity.

Reflection : What are three of my most powerful limiting beliefs, and what can I do to change them and go beyond them ? What is possible if I free myself to play to my capacity ? What do I need to do to accomplish this ?





[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 2.07 - Thought

Level Your Life [The Level of Thought][2.07]

Thought


You may notice how random thoughts seem to enter the conscious mind quite suddenly and for no apparent reason. They can be positive or negative, and those that predominate are the ones you feed, or give the most attention to.
To better handle your thoughts - to use the positive ones to best effect and keep those that are not helpful from acquiring power and throwing a shadow over your life - it is best to identify them as they appear.

The idea is to recognize constructive thoughts and to creatively use them to your advantage while disregarding those that disturb.

As we always say, meditation and affirmation are effective ways to help you focus on positive thinking.

Who you are, what you do, and where you go are the direct result of your thoughts.
They can either stengthen you or weaken you. In all activity you performance is shaped by your mind; you become what you think.

When you change your thoughts, your performance follows.

When you are running up a hill,lifting weights, or executing any other advanced physical activity , notice the difference how you feel when you think , "I can do it - I am strong" versus "I can´t do it, I´m a wimp."

Shifting between negative and positive thoughts creates a subsequent shift in your capabilities.
When evaluating your performance, rather than focus on negative thinking - "What went wrong?"- first ask yourself  "What went well?"  and follow the question with "What needs work ?"
These two queries are proactive thoughts that create forward movement and confidence.

Remember Bob Marley´s outlook: we are all responsible for our own mental freedom.
Ask yourself: Is my glass of thoughts half empty or half full ?




Declaration: I choose to think positively and ask , Why not ? I change my performance by focusing on possibilities, not disabilities.

Reflection : What are five situations in my life in which I stand in my own way being negative ?
What can I do today to change my related, hindering thoughts ?




[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]